I was born without most of my left hand. As I entered the teenage years, it became very important to me that I be 'normal’ and accepted. My personal identity became the “girl with one hand” which manifested into anger, fear of rejection and anxiety in social situations.
I became really guarded and developed a lot of armour around my heart. I wasn't able to show any emotion or weakness after silently battling for years with depression and anxiety, and this took a toll on my body and mind.
I’m trying to change that now. I’ve worked up to not hiding my hand anymore. There were years when I would hide it through clothing or body positions, but I'm happy to say that I don't do that now.
Now I am doing the same with my mental health. I don’t want to hide what I’m going through anymore.
I’ve been happily surprised to see that I’ve actually developed closer relationships with the people around me because I’m finally opening up and being more real with them.
My experiences have also made me more empathetic and understanding of others struggles, whether it be mental or physical, because I get it. I’ve had my own.
And in the end, my struggles have made me stronger.
I don’t want to hide anymore.